How To Ride The UK’s Best Motorbike Routes

When the temperatures are high and the sun is shining, it’s a great opportunity for those with a motorbike to head out and enjoy the best that the UK has to offer, before the cold and harsh winter weather creeps back in.

What is especially great for motorcyclists, is that the UK has a variety of incredible motorbike routes, as motorcycle clothing retailer Custom Lids has found when selecting their top five rides that you need to experience this summer:

The North Coast 500 in Scotland

If you want an especially lengthy route, look no further than The North Coast 500. The route totals 516 miles, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. Despite only being created in 2014, the North Coast 500 has already been dubbed the Scottish Route 66.

From the picturesque greenery and architecture of Sutherland to Wester Ross’ white sandy beaches and Caithness’ dramatic coastline, there’s so much to see alone this ride. Of course, because of the length of this route, you’ll need to split the journey over roughly a week, giving you more time to explore the very best of Scotland.

Head to www.northcoast500.com to find out more about this route and tips for planning your ride.

Hardknott Pass in the Lake District

Seek out Hardknott Pass and a challenging ride will await you. Winding through the Lake District, you’ll face steep inclines and twisting turns alongside stunning views of the surrounding areas. You’ll also pass through Eskdale and the Duddon Valley on your way to the small coastal village of Ravenglass.

The Cat and Fiddle, along the A537 from Buxton to Macclesfield

Thrill-seekers must check out The Cat and Fiddle A537 route that stretches from Buxton to Macclesfield before any other ride on this list. A winding 11km-long road with twists and turns at every corner, it’s perfect for getting your heart pumping as you take in the picture-perfect Peak District.

Did you know that this route has been named one of the most dangerous roads in Britain? With this in mind, go easy and abide by the 50mph speed limit and you’ll conquer this must-drive stretch and then be back to visit time and time again.

Cheddar Gorge along the B3135

Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s second greatest natural wonder, with an exhilarating route passing right near it — that makes the B3135 a must-ride route. You’ll start in the village of Axbridge before joining the road towards Cheddar. Prepare for tight bends, twists and turns as you travel into and out of the gorge.

The Horseshoe Pass of the A542 in North Wales

Rolling hills and breath-taking beauty are among Wales’ standout features. The Horseshoe Pass is a winding road that sweeps through the valleys, offering the best of both worlds: challenging inclines and enjoyable declines.

Be prepared to be 1,400ft above sea level when you reach the route’s peak. So, if you want to take your riding to new heights — quite literally — this is for you. You’ll feel like king of the world as you survey Wales’ lush scenery.

 

Win Incredible VIP Trip to United States Grand Prix with Road to Austin Comp

Win Incredible VIP Trip to United States Grand Prix
with Road to Austin Competition from Mobil 1

 

  • Enter ‘Road to Austin’ online racing competition and set fastest time to win VIP
    Grand Prix trip to Austin, Texas
  • Use your driving skills and knowledge of motorsports and Mobil 1TM to unlock time bonuses and reach Austin faster than your opponents from across Europe
  • Winner and a friend to meet Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and experience Grand Prix from ‘behind the scenes’

 

With the 2012 motorsports season shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, Mobil 1 is offering fans the chance to get in on the action with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team at the 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

 

The free to play Mobil 1 Road to Austin competition, available at http://www.mobil1.co.uk/performance/racing-academy-game.aspx tests players’ driving skills and motorsports knowledge.  To win, fans race against the clock on a route which takes them through Europe, passing famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Brandenburg Gate and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, finishing in Austin.

 

Throughout the race, players are challenged with multiple-choice questions to test their knowledge of Grand Prix racing and Mobil 1, with correct answers taking 15 seconds from their overall time. Once players reach the end of the track, they can either enter their details and submit their score or return to the start to have another shot at improving their time and chances of winning.

 

Competitors will also be offered the option to play the Mobil 1 Racing Academy game – upon which the Road to Austin competition is based. Here they can race through different racing series such as karting and midget cars, as they follow the careers of Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.

 

The winner and a friend will fly business class to Austin, Texas, where they will enjoy luxury accommodation before joining the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team for the duration of the race weekend at the new Circuit of the Americas.

 

The exclusive access includes a private tour of the team’s garage and the opportunity to meet the team’s drivers, with the chance to watch the qualifying sessions and Grand Prix from exclusive Mobil 1 hospitality. The experience also includes spending money and a gift pack.

 

Terms and conditions of entry apply. To view full competition Terms & Conditions please visit http://www.mobil1.co.uk/performance/racing-academy-game.aspx.